Iraqi Aircrew Flies Solo: The first USAF-trained all Iraqi aircrew has flown solo in their C-130E transport. The nine crew members are part of the 23rd Iraqi Squadron. (We reported on their efforts to learn English earlier.) The US Air Force has been training the crews at Ali Base, Iraq. The 23rd will move in January to its new home at New Al Muthana, currently the only Iraqi air base, which will have three C-130Es.
The design of the launch facilities for the Air Force’s new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile are likely to undergo major revision, posing yet another challenge for the much-delayed and over-budget program to modernize the land-based component of America’s nuclear triad, officials said.